court & probation clinic
Community Defense Initiative
No one should have to face Georgia's criminal legal system alone.
The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement's (AADM) Community Defense Initiative empowers incarcerated individuals, people navigating local courts and probation, and their families with the knowledge, resources, and community support needed to advocate for themselves and their loved ones.
Our work is grounded in the belief that directly impacted people deserve access to information, support, and a voice in shaping a more accountable criminal legal system. We combine education, community organizing, and advocacy to address immediate needs while advancing long-term reform throughout Northeast Georgia.
What We Do
Court & Probation Clinic
Our monthly clinic helps individuals and families better understand court procedures, probation requirements, and what to expect before court appearances. Participants receive practical guidance, Know Your Rights education, referrals to community resources, and support navigating the criminal legal system. While we do not provide legal representation, we help people become informed and active participants in their own cases.
1-800 Justice Help Line
Our hotline connects incarcerated individuals and their families with information, referrals, and community resources while documenting concerns that inform our advocacy efforts.
Jail Accountability & Family Advocacy
We organize community members to advocate for safer jail conditions, greater transparency, and the restoration of meaningful in-person visitation. We believe maintaining family connections promotes dignity, accountability, and successful reentry.
Our Vision
We envision a Northeast Georgia where families are equipped to navigate the criminal legal system with confidence, incarcerated people are treated with dignity, and communities have the power to hold local institutions accountable. Through community defense, we are building a more transparent, equitable, and humane justice system—one family, one case, and one community at a time.
Need support or want to get involved? Contact AADM to learn more about our Court & Probation Clinic, 1-800-922-3607, volunteer opportunities, or community advocacy efforts.
IF YOU NEED SUPPORT. COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW.
Get Support
Please read carefully before submitting your request.
If you or a loved one is incarcerated, preparing for court, on probation, or struggling to navigate the criminal legal system, we're here to help.
Step 1: Contact Us
Complete our online intake form. Tell us about your situation, and a Community Defense Advocate will contact you.
Step 2: Initial Consultation
We'll schedule a brief phone or in-person conversation to understand your needs, answer questions, and determine how we can best support you. While we do not provide legal representation, we can offer court navigation, probation guidance, Know Your Rights education, referrals, and advocacy resources.
Step 3: Attend a Court & Probation Clinic
Join one of our monthly Community Defense Clinics to learn about court procedures, probation requirements, available resources, and practical strategies for advocating for yourself or supporting a loved one.
Step 4: Ongoing Support & Community Advocacy
Participants can receive referrals, connect with community resources, share concerns about jail conditions or probation practices, and become involved in advocacy efforts to improve transparency, accountability, and justice in Northeast Georgia.
Who Can Participate?
Individuals with upcoming court dates
People currently on probation
Families of incarcerated individuals
Returning citizens
Community members seeking information or support
There is no cost to participate. Some services may require an appointment.
Note: The AADM is not a legal firm and will not provide legal advice. We offer advocacy support for persons experiencing discrimination in Athens-Clarke County and the immediate surrounding area, including Barrow, Jackson, Madison, Oconee, and Oglethorpe counties. Unfortunately, we cannot handle complaints outside of this area.
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